How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos?
If you are searching How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos? congratulations you are at the right place. Traveling from Athens to Mykonos offers two main options: ferry or plane. Below, I will explain how to travel from Athens to Mykonos, where you can find ferry timetables for Tours in Mykonos and details about flights from Athens.
Undoubtedly, the most optimal way to journey from Athens to Mykonos is by taking a 45-minute flight from Athens Airport (El. Venizelos Airport).
The ferry ride from Athens to Mykonos typically takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the choice of ferry, and is also a viable option. After reaching Mykonos travelers often prefer to Book Private Escorted Transfers In Mykonos with Tours in Mykonos team.
8 Best Things to Do in Mykonos
1- Mykonos Old Town Historic and cultural Walking Tour
2- Private Escorted Transfers In Mykonos
3- Guided walking tour with food and wine tasting
4- Small Group Half day Tour of Highlights & Delights in Mykonos
All the information provided in this post also applies to the return trip from Mykonos to Athens.
Useful Tip: Ferries departing from Rafina Port in Athens are considerably faster, and there are more ferry options to Mykonos during the day than those departing from Piraeus Port.
There are many large and reliable websites in Greece for booking ferry tickets from Athens to Mykonos. However, you can also use it to check timetables and prices for all Greek islands’ ferry routes. They provide comprehensive options for flights from Athens to Mykonos (JMK being Mykonos’s airport code) with a range of airlines available (Aegean, Ryanair, Easyjet, TUI, Olympic, British Airways, Sky Express, Volotea, etc.)
Things to Check
You have two primary options to travel from Athens to Mykonos: ferry or plane.
Best Way to Get From Athens to Mykonos: By Plane (45 minutes), especially if you plan to spend only 2-3 days in Mykonos, as it is much faster. However, the ferry is worth considering, taking around 3 hours from Rafina port, which is significantly shorter than the ferry ride to Santorini.
Athens has two ports with ferries to Mykonos: Piraeus (or Pireas – PIR) and Rafina (RAF). While Piraeus generally has more ferry options, Rafina is closer to Athens Airport (El. Venizelos) and offers more available ferries for Mykonos Tours. Choose Rafina port if you decide to take the ferry to Mykonos.
Between April and October, there are more than four ferries daily from Athens to Mykonos (from Piraeus port) and nine ferries daily from Athens to Mykonos (from Rafina port). However, there are fewer ferry options during the winter months (November-March).
Ferry Duration from Athens to Mykonos: Varies from 2 hours (fast Seajet Ferry) to 4 hours (slow Blue Star Ferry).
Ferry Cost from Athens to Mykonos: The slowest ferry (Blue Star) costs around 40 euros, while the fast ferry (Seajet Ferries) can cost up to 80 euros (prices are subject to change due to inflation).
Booking the Ferry: You can book your ferry tickets online, but according to Greek law, you must get the ticket printout from the ferry kiosk in Piraeus/Rafina port or any other Greek travel agency.
Best Way to Travel from Athens Airport to Athens Main Port (Piraeus): Take the Athens Airport Bus X96 (X96 Bus Route – X96 Bus runs every 20-30 minutes). The X96 Bus ticket costs 6 euros for adults and 3 euros for children. Alternatively, you can buy an ATH.ENA Card.
Best Way to Travel from Athens Airport to Rafina Port: Take another bus called KTEL, which departs every 1 hour from the airport.
Direct International Flights from Athens to Mykonos: Only available from major European cities and operate between April and October. (Mykonos Airport Code: JMK)
Ways to Go to Mykonos from Athens (How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos?)
Now, let’s explore all the available options on How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos?:
Athens to Mykonos by Plane
Traveling by air, reaching Mykonos in a quick 45-minute flight, is the most favorable choice, especially for a short visit of 2-3 days.
(Dont forget to have Guided walking tour with food and wine tasting )
Flying to Mykonos is the fastest and usually the most expensive option. However, it is definitely worth it, as it saves time compared to the ferry journey (although the ferry is still reasonably fast, particularly the fast ferry from Rafina).
Expedia is the best and most affordable website for booking or searching for flights from Athens to Mykonos, offering a wide range of options, including low-cost European airlines like Ryanair.
Mykonos’ Airport Website
Athens Airport Code: ATH (Athens)
Mykonos’ Airport Code: JMK
- Every plane landing on Mykonos departs within 40 minutes for the return flight to Athens.
- Flight times to Mykonos may vary throughout the year, so ensure you check the correct times on Expedia, as it provides real-time updates.
- Between April and October, there are more flights from Athens to Mykonos (high season).
- Booking tickets well in advance (6 months) might offer excellent deals, including return tickets.
- During the high season (April-October), the cost of a flight from Athens to Mykonos can reach up to 200 euros for a return ticket.
- Airlines flying directly to Mykonos private tours from major European cities (April-October) include:
- Laudamotion, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines (from Vienna)
- Thomas Cook (from Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, Brussels)
- Thomson (from Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol)
- Volotea, Blue Panorama, Iberia (from Venice, Bari, Naples, Palermo)
- Germanwings (from Cologne)
- Norwegian (from Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm)
- Transavia (from Paris, Amsterdam)
- British Airways (from London Heathrow, London City)
- Condor (from Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt)
- Aegean (from Russia, Italy, Cyprus)
- Easyjet (from Rome, Milan, Geneva, Manchester, Gatwick)
- Vueling (from Barcelona, Bilbao)
- Jetairfly (from Brussels)
- HolidayJet (from Zurich)
Pros of Flying from Athens to Mykonos:
- Significantly faster than the ferry (30-40 minutes in the air), saving valuable time.
- Convenient for those with a short stay in Mykonos.
- Convenient connection for passengers arriving at Athens Airport, allowing for a seamless journey to Mykonos.
Cons of Flying from Athens to Mykonos:
- Potentially higher cost compared to the ferry.
- Flight times may not always align with ideal schedules, leading to waiting time at Athens Airport.
- Limited opportunity to see other Greek islands during the journey (unlike the ferry experience).
Ferries from Athens to Mykonos (How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos?)
Choosing the ferry as your mode of travel to Mykonos is a viable alternative, particularly if you prefer not to fly or wish to save on flight expenses.
Important Tips about Ferries from Athens to Mykonos:
- Departure ports from Athens to Mykonos include Piraeus port or Rafina port. Rafina offers more ferries to Mykonos (and fewer for Santorini compared to Piraeus).
- The slow ferry from Athens (Rafina) to Mykonos takes approximately 4 hours (operated by Blue Star Ferries).
- The fast ferry from Athens (Rafina to Mykonos) takes about 2.5 hours (offered by Seajets and Golden Star Ferries).
Ferry Tickets Cost:
- Slow Ferry: Approximately 40 euros (depending on the chosen seat).
- Fast Ferry: Around 70-80 euros (depending on the chosen seat).
Ferry Options from Athens to Mykonos:
- Blue Star Ferries (slow – 4 hours): Departing from Piraeus port.
- Seajet Ferries (fast – 3 hours): Departing from Rafina port.
- Golden Star Ferries (slow – 4 hours): Departing from Rafina port.
- Fast Ferries (fast – 3 hours): Departing from Rafina port.
For the latest schedules, prices, and booking options, you can check the Ferryhopper website.
Detailed Information on Each Ferry Option (How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos?)
Blue Star Ferries
Blue Star Ferries, the largest but slowest option, departs from Piraeus port twice a day during the high season. These ferries offer stability and a comfortable journey, taking four hours to reach Mykonos. Despite the journey’s length, the ride is usually smooth, and passengers barely feel the bumps or wind.
Blue Star Ferries allow passengers to glimpse other Greek islands, such as Syros, Paros, Naxos, and Ios, before arriving at Mykonos.
For the available Blue Star Ferry schedules, you can visit the Ferryhopper website. The ferries operate all year round, with two daily departures from Piraeus port to Mykonos: one in the early morning and another in the afternoon.
Tickets for Blue Star Ferries can be booked online, but according to Greek law, you must get the ticket printout from certified travel agencies or ferry companies.
Ticket Cost: The cheapest ticket for Blue Star Ferries costs around 40 euros (without a reserved seat), but it is advisable to opt for an airport-style seat, which costs 50 euros per person. Cabins are not essential for this short journey, allowing passengers to enjoy the outdoor areas while the ferry sails.
Seajet Ferries
Smaller and faster, Seajet Ferries offer a quicker route to Mykonos and depart from Rafina port. On average, there are four daily Seajet Ferries during the high season and one from Piraeus port, taking approximately 2.5 hours to reach Mykonos.
These ferries are closed-type, resembling airplanes inside, and do not offer outdoor areas like the Blue Star Ferries. While they are faster, they are less stable due to their speed. However, cancellations are unlikely between June and September.
For the latest Seajet Ferry schedules, you can visit the Ferryhopper website. It is essential to book tickets in advance, as the number of seats on these ferries is limited. Tickets can be purchased online from Ferryhopper, and printouts must be obtained at the ferry kiosk before departure.
Ticket Cost: The cheapest ticket for Seajet Ferries is around 60 euros, but depending on the chosen time and ferry, the ticket might cost up to 75 euros (one way). Cabins are not available on these ferries.
How to Travel from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
To reach Piraeus port from Athens Airport, take the Athens Airport Bus X96 (X96 Bus Route – the bus runs every 20-30 minutes). The X96 Bus ticket costs 6 euros for adults and 3 euros for children. Another option is to purchase an ATH.ENA Card.
How to Travel from Athens Airport to Rafina Port
For the journey to Rafina port, take a KTEL bus, which departs every 1 hour from the airport.
How to Travel from Athens Airport to Central Athens (Syntagma Square)
Take the metro from the airport (over ground for some stations, then underground) or take the X95 bus, which will take you to Syntagma Square within 30-40 minutes.
Conclusion
At Conclusion for the blog How to Travel from Athens to Mykonos presents two main options: flying or taking a ferry. Flying is highly recommended for a short visit or when time is crucial. It saves time and offers convenience, especially for connecting flights at Athens Airport passengers.
On the other hand, the ferry option is ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely journey and wish to experience the beautiful views of other Greek islands along the way. Mixing both options might be smart for a more extended stay and exploring multiple destinations, taking the ferry to Mykonos and then a flight back to Athens.
last But Not the least,
Welcome, wanderlust adventurers, to the enchanting world of Greece, where azure waters meet golden sunsets, and ancient wonders intertwine with modern delights. If you’re dreaming of a captivating island escape, the journey from Athens to Mykonos promises to be a magical experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll unravel the secrets of traversing from the heart of Greece’s capital city, Athens, to the captivating Cycladic gem of Mykonos. Whether you seek the romance of a leisurely ferry ride or the swift allure of air travel, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information to make your journey seamless and unforgettable.
Embark on a whirlwind of captivating landscapes, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and unearth the best-hidden gems each destination has to offer. From the bustling port of Piraeus to the whitewashed alleys of Mykonos Town, let us be your trusted compass, guiding you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
So, grab your sun hat, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to embark on a journey that celebrates the essence of Greek island living. Let’s dive into the timeless beauty, delectable cuisine, and rich history of Athens and Mykonos as we uncover the best ways to traverse this captivating route. Bon voyage!
